- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
SsangYong Rexton. 2nd generation, 2019 restyling
The SsangYong Rexton is a mid-size SUV from the South Korean brand SsangYong, which has a frame structure, a seven-seater passenger compartment and a diesel engine. Currently, Israeli buyers can purchase the second generation vehicle, restyled in 2019 and produced in two trim levels (as of 2021).
SsangYong hopes that the second generation Rexton will take the brand to the next level. The vehicle has the following advantages: spaciousness, safety, cross-country ability and price.
Exterior
The design of the new model can hardly be called revolutionary, but the laconic forms with strict features are suitable for the vehicle with a conservative design. Stylish elongated headlights with lenticular optics and elegant garlands of LED daytime running lights are striking. The radiator grille adjoins the lights, comprising several horizontally oriented fins and a curved chrome trim. The off-road nature of the 2019 SsangYong Rexton is emphasized by small roof rails and special plastic linings on the wheel arches, bumpers and sills. Thus, the vehicle looks unique and is well-protected from stones and branches. After restyling in 2019, the SUV has a new radiator grille with a three-dimensional structure that is entirely covered with chrome.
The manufacturer has built this vehicle on a new platform. It is based on a high-strength steel spar frame. As a result, the torsional rigidity of the structure has increased significantly, and the weight has been reduced by 50 kilograms. At the same time, the Rexton has become bigger as compared to its predecessor: 95 mm longer (4,850 mm) and 20 mm wider (1,920 mm), and the wheelbase has grown by 30 mm (2,865 mm). At the same time, the SUV has become lower: 1,800 mm instead of 1,840 mm.
The turning radius is around 5.5 m. The curb weight varies from 1,995 to 2,243 kg, and the gross weight is from 2,750 kg to 2,960 kg. As for roominess, the minimum trunk volume in the 5-seater version is 680 liters, and with the second row seats folded, the Rexton can offer a volume of up to 1,977 liters.
Power trains and chassis
The new frame is made of high-strength steel provided by the Korean metallurgical company Posco. The body, despite not performing a load-bearing function, is also made of high-strength steel (81.7%). The manufacturer is also very proud of the fact that it was the first Korean automobile maker to offer 20-inch wheels for an SUV. The configuration of the chassis of the new SsangYong Rexton is the same as that of the expensive versions of the previous Rexton: the double wishbone suspension at the front and the multi-link suspension at the rear, both suspensions comprise springs. Yes, the beam rear suspension is history. It is clear that the chassis with independent suspensions provides excellent mobility and comfort.
In the Israeli market, the 2019/2020 SsangYong Rexton comes only with the e-XDi 2.2 turbocharged diesel engine (181 hp at 4,000 rpm), which has a good reputation, and it is paired with the Mercedes automatic 7G-Tronic (seven gears and manual mode). The 4Tronic all-wheel drive transmission implies a rigid connection of the front axle, the presence of a reduction gear, and the fully electronic control.
The vehicle with an automatic transmission has the following indicators: fuel consumption in the urban cycle - 10.1 liters, extra urban cycle - 6.8 liters (combined cycle - 8 liters/100 km). The maximum speed is 185 km/h, while the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 11.9 seconds.
Equipment and trim levels
The passenger compartment of the 2020 SsangYong Rexton is seven-seater. At the same time, the large wheelbase ensures sufficient space for the second row seats. The second and third row seats are embossed and have adjustable backrests for greater comfort during long journeys. To get to the third row, it is enough to fold one of the side sections of the second row (it folds in a 40/20/40 ratio). However, the third row is more suitable for children, as there is very little legroom and headspace. Still, the vehicle can easily seat seven people, and those who value a spacious trunk will be interested in the five-seater version.
The interior has a traditional design, and the expensive versions promise to be truly luxurious. The top-end Premium version has the seats and some interior elements upholstered in genuine nappa leather. The media system has a 9.2 inch display and supports Apple CarPlay interfaces. The dashboard has a seven-inch color screen. The list of options includes an Infinity audio system, an electric drive for the fifth door with an automatic opening function (for this, it takes three seconds to stand holding a key tag at the rear of the vehicle), an engine start button, and dual-zone climate control. The equipment also includes 9 airbags, light and rain sensors, ABS and ESP with a rollover prevention system, hill start assist and hill descent control, as well as tire pressure monitoring system.
There is a wide choice of intelligent driver assistance systems: all-round visibility and blind spot monitoring systems, adaptive front optics, parking assistant and traffic jam pilot, automatic braking system with pedestrian detection function, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition systems. After the restyling of 2019, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems are included in the entry-level trim, and the rear door windows are now equipped with roller blinds. Plus, the new key has a headlamp button that allows you to easily find your vehicle in a dark parking lot.
